Receiver for ejected firearm shells

ABSTRACT

A free standing apparatus for catching spent shell casings ejected from firearms. A hollow body has an opening on its side, covered by a hinged hatch, and a trap door at its bottom. When opened, the hatch erects a collapsible chute fastened between the hatch and edges of the opening, which forms a passageway into the body. The attitude of the hatch in its open position enables it to deflect flying shell casings into the chute. The trap door provides means to empty the apparatus of accumulated shell casings. Adjustable support means for the apparatus is also provided.

United States Patent Pistocchi 1 Apr. 25, 1972 [54] RECEIVER FOR EJECTED FIREARM SHELLS [72] Inventor: Joseph 0. Pistocchi, 95 East Williston Avenue, East Williston, N.Y. 11596 [22] Filed: Oct. 30, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 85,336

' [52] U.S. Cl...... ..232/l R, 89/33 F, 206/16 R, 232/431, 232/44 [51] Int. Cl. ..F41c 27/00 [58] Field of Search ..232/l R, l B, 1 D, 43.1, 43.2,

232/44; 206/3, 47 R, 16 R; 89/1 R, 33 F; 102/1 R; 42/1 R; 248/132 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 367,316 7/1887 Pardee ..232/l R 808,764 1/1906 Larsh ...232/39 2,354,277 7/1944 Richardson.. ...89/33 F 3,182,903 5/1965 Marton "232/431 2,448,406 8/1948 Allen ..248/159 2,036,794 4/1936 Derman ...232/1 13 577,452 2/1897 Richardson. ..232/43.l 3,491,973 1/1970 Hartbauer ..232/43.2 X 3,153,981 10/1964 Brass ..89/33 F 3,156,991 11/1964 Adams..... ....89/33 F 3,024,970 3/1962 Powers ..232/44 Primary Examiner-Francis K. Zugel At!0rne vl(enyon & Kenyon Reilly Carr & Chapin [5 7] ABSTRACT A free standing apparatus for catching spent shell casings ejected from firearms. A hollow body has an opening on its side, covered by a hinged hatch, and a trap door at its bottom. When opened, the hatch erects a collapsible chute fastened between the hatch and edges of the opening, which forms a passageway into the body. The attitude of the hatch in its open position enables it to deflect flying shell casings into the chute. The trap door provides means to emptythe apparatus of accumulated shell casings. Adjustable support means for the apparatus is also provided.

16 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAPR 25 I972 13, 658,241

SHEET 2 0F 2 INVENTOR Jose-Aw O. flsrocc/a/ RECEIVER FOR EJECTED FIREARM SHELLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a device for catching and retaining flying shell casings ejected from firearms.

2. Description of the Prior Art In shooting of firearms, it has long been recognized that it is often desirable to provide a means for catching and holding brass shell casings which are ejected from firearms during firing. This is especially true in the case of automatic and semiautomatic weapons, due to the rapidity of fire of such weapons.

One reason it is desirable to collect and hold such spent shells is that many guns are capable of ejecting such shells, or brass, at varying velocities over distances ranging from several inches to as much as 8 to 10 feet. Shells which ricochet can'be a safety hazard, especially where large numbers of gunners are firing in close proximity, such as on a rifle or pistol range.

Another obvious reason for catching ejected shell casings is the obviation of the need to pick them up after shooting, as the ejected cases have value to many shooters, and retrieving shell casings scattered about the floor is a nuisance.

Many shooters are accustomed to reloading spent shell casings which they have fired. The reason for this is that they can thereby provide themselves with ammunition at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new shells. However, in order to reload brass successfully, it should be undamaged. If reloaded brass is bent, or contaminated with dirt or sand, danger may result to the shooter, because such contamination or damage can result in misfiring of the weapon into which such shells are loaded.

Aside from value such brass has to the shooter who wishes to reload his own ammunition, many gun dealers will exchange or refund cash for brass.

Devices have been provided which attach to firearms in the region of the ejection port in order to catch shell casings ejected from the gun. However, such devices, by reason of the fact that they attach directly to the weapon itself, have considerable disadvantages. Mounted on the top or side of the weapon, they sometimes interfere with proper sighting and firing of the gun. They add weight to the weapon, making it more unwieldy. Additionally, the weight of the weapon varies with the number of ejected shells contained within the shell catching device. Such a device, attached to the gun itself, must necessarily be relatively small and must be emptied frequently if much shooting is done. Furthermore, shell catchers which attach to the gun often obscure some of the working parts of the weapon and make the gun generally more difficult to operate properly, especially during pistol matches or toumaments.

Prior art shell catchers frequently require considerable time and the use of tools to mount and demount from the gun.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a shell receiving device which will operate effectively without physical attachement to the weapon itself, and therefore which does not interfere with the sights or mechanism of the gun, obscure any parts thereof, or add weight or awkwardness to the weapon.

It is another object of this invention to provide a light weight shell receiving device having capacity to retain large numbers of .shell casings, but which can easily be collapsed into a compact package for carrying on or in a gun box or by hand.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a shell receiving device not requiring any tools for set-up-or takedown.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a shell receiver which is free-standing, and has means to adjustably alter its height and attitude.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for receiving and holding spent shell casings which are ejected from a firearm.

The apparatus contemplated by this invention includes a hollow body portion having a large opening in one side thereof, which opening is covered by a hinge-mounted hatch. Attached to the edges of the hatch and of the opening of the body is a large collapsible folding chute. This chute, when the hatch is closed, assumes a folded position within the body portion of the apparatus. However, when the hatch is opened, the motion of opening pulls the chute from inside the body, and stretches it out into its operative erect configuration forming a passage leading down into the body. If needed, it is contemplated that a rigid strut can be mounted to the body and attached to portions of the chute to provide added rigidity and shaping when in its operative configuration.

Biasing means, such as springs, can also be provided to hold the hatch in its open position, thus maintaining the chute in its erect mode. When the hatch is opened to the fullest extent allowable by the flexible material comprising the chute, the hatch is positioned such that it acts as a deflector to guide spent shell casings down into the chute and the body portion. The degree to which the hatch .is opened can be regulated or varied by a monitoring device. Thus, this invention teaches a shell receiver having large capacity, but which is collapsible for easy transport, and independent of the firearm.

The bottom of the body portion of the apparatus is provided with a trap door so that the accumulated shell casings can be easily removed, or allowed to fall out into a container.

The apparatus contemplated herein is not a device to be attached to the weapon itself, but is designed to be free standing, so as not to interfere with the gunners operation of his weapon, or add weight thereto. Accordingly, support members can be provided, such as a tripod and an adjustable telescoping rod, for attachment to the apparatus. Such support equipment allows adjustability of height and attitude of the apparatus.

The tripod can be stored for carrying inside the trap door in the body of this device. It is also contemplated that a tray can be provided, which fits inside the trap door. This tray can be used to accommodate the tripod for storage and can also function as a removeable container to hold collected shell casings. Additionally, brackets can be fixed to the body of the apparatus for accommodating and holding the telescoping rod in its telescoped mode. In this manner, storage can be provided for the rod, and it will also double as a carrying handle for the entire apparatus. It is notable that, as will be discussed further, the entire apparatus can be carried within, or attached to, a, shooting case or gun box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a pistol shooter using the shell receiver.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closed shell receiver showing the attachement of a support device thereto by means of brackets.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shell receiver in open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the rear of the shell receiver and an open trap door in the bottom thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side section view of the shell receiver in closed position.

FIG. 6 is a side section view of the shell receiver in open position.

FIG. 7 is a detail view showing the trap door arrangement of the shell receiver, and a tray for holding a tripod, or for collecting shells.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shell receiver, showing a storage bin for a tripod support attached thereto.

FIG. 9 is apictorial view of the shell receiver in closed position showing the receiver attached to channel brackets of a shooting case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 13, the shell receiver includes a main hollow body portion 10, which may be of box-like configuration. It is contemplated that the body portion be approximately 8 to 10 inches wide, about 1 t; inches thick, and from 12 to 14 inches in height, These dimensions can be altered to suit the requirements of individual applications. The body can be made from any suitable rigid material, such as sheet aluminum or plastic. It can thus be quite light in weight.

Body 10 has a large opening 11 in one side thereof, which opening can be opened or closed by means of hatch 12 secured to body 10 by means of hinges l3. Hatch 12 can thus swing upwardly exposing the interior of the body portion when desired.

Referring to FIG. 3, a suitable piece of flexible material 14, such as cloth, fabric, canvas, or flexible plastic, is attached around three edges of the opening 11. This can be accomplished by a number of known means, such as staples, rivets, stitching, or releasable clamps 19, as shown, of a known type. Material 14 is also attached to hatch 12, in similar manner, along the edges designated as 15. Thus, when hatch 12 is closed, the flexible material assumes a folded or collapsed configuration within the hollow body portion, as shown in FIG. 5. When hatch 12 is opened, as shown in FIG. 3, the motion of opening pulls the flexible material from within the body 10, and, if hatch 12 is opened sufficiently, the flexible material 14 assumes a stretched or erect configuration forming a chute around opening 11. Material 14 is inexpensive and easily demountable from body 10 for replacement.

If needed, a rigid strut 16 can be mounted to the interior of body 10, and also attached to chute 14, in order to give chute 14 additional rigidity and to hold it in the most advantageous configuration to perform as a chute.

It is also desirable to provide hatch 12 with means for biasing it to its open position, so that it will remain in its open, or operative, position without assistance. One simple way of doing this is by means of springs 18 associated with hinge 13. Latch 20, of a mechanical or magnetic variety, is provided in order to firmly secure hatch 12 in its closed position against the biasing of springs 18 when desired. Thus, the shell receiver apparatus can be of sufficient size to have large capacity, and yet be collapsible into a compact box for transport.

The maximum open position of hatch 12, as defined by the cut of flexible material constituting chute 14 and the spring bias means 18, is designed to be a suitable position for the undersurface of hatch 12 to act as a functional deflector means to direct flying shells into chute 14 and body 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Means can be provided to adjustably limit the maximum open position of hatch 12. One such means, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, includes one or more pockets 21 incorporated (e.g., by sewing) into the sides of chute 14. Each outboard spring 18 comprises arm 23, which extends along hatch 12, and which is adapted to slide into any of pockets 21. By simply removing chute 14 by releasing clamps 19, the user can insert arm 23 into a selected pocket 21. The choice of pocket used will obviously determine the maximum open position of hatch 12. This means is merely illustrative. Other means, such as making hinge 13 a friction hinge, would also suffice.

Considering now FIGS. 47, it is noted that it is desirable to provide body 10 of this apparatus with a trap door in its bottom. Trap door 32 can be hinged to the bottom of body 10 as at 33, or can be of a sliding variety. A lock 36, of mechanical or magnetic type, is provided to retain door 32 in closed position. Trap door 32 allows shell casings to be removed from body 10 by hand easily, or can allow the shell casings to fall from body 10 by gravity, perhaps into a collector below.

It is important to note that what is contemplated in this invention is a free standing shell receiver which is operable without attaching the apparatus to the weapon itself. To this end, it is desirable to provide the shell receiver with support means to enable it to stand on its own. A suitable support means combination includes an adjustable tripod 30 and a telescoping rod 26 adapted to be mounted atop tripod 30. Rod 26 has on its upper tip a male fastener 24 which is adapted to engage a corresponding female fastener 22 mounted on body 10. Fastener 22 can be mounted on either the back or the bottom of body 10. Using this combination support means, tripod 30 can be set up and telescoping rod 26 mounted atop it, and the entire assembly can thus be mounted on fastener 24 of rod 26. The telescoping quality of rod 26 allows the height of the shell receiver to be adjusted, and the attitude of the receiver can be adjusted by rotation of rod 26.

It is contemplated that storage means for the support combination can be provided within and associated with body 10 of the shell receiver. In the device can be included a tray 34 appropriately sized to contain the adjustable tripod 30 when folded, and which has dimensions allowing it to be slid snugly into and atop trap door 32. When trap door 32, bearing tray 34, is closed and secured, the tripod is neatly stowed within the body itself. Loops 40, of wire, metal, plastic, cloth, or other suitable material, can be provided on door 32 in order to keep tripod 30 and tray 34 from rattling about.

It is important to note that tray 34, when not employed to hold tripod 30, can also function as a removeable receptacle for holding spent shell casings collected in the receiver.

Storage of tripod 30 can be alternately provided by attaching a storage bin 42 having lid 43 to body 10, as shown in FIG. 8.

Flexible brackets 28 are attached to one side of body 10. These brackets allow for storage of telescoping rod 26 on the side of body 10. This position for storage also permits rod 26 to double as a carrying handle for the device. A carrying handle 29, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, can be attached to the side or top of body 10, if brackets 28 are not used.

This apparatus can be stored and carried within, or attached to, a shooting case, commonly used by shooters to hold shooting equipment. As shown in FIG. 9, shooting case 50 has a hinged lid 52, which opens to reveal a removeable shelf 54 for holding guns 56. It is contemplated that this receiver apparatus can be carried within case 50, e.g., beneath shelf 54, or it can be removably attached to the outside thereof, such as by means of channel brackets 57, fixed to the back of the case, and into which body 10 can be snugly slid.

The type of shell receiver described in this application is one which, as noted above, is not made to be mounted on the weapon itself. Thus, it does not interfere with the operation of the weapon, obscure operating parts thereof, or interfere with its sights. It does not add to the weight or awkwardness of the weapon, nor does it require any tools for set-up or take-down. The shell receiver of the present invention has a large capacity and need not be emptied frequently. At the same time, its collapsible features allow it to be knocked down and carried quite easily, or stored within or attached to a shooting case. In short, the ejected shell receiver of the present invention is a significant advance over previous devices designed to accomplish similar ends.

It is understood that the description herein of the embodiments of this invention is intended to be illustrative only and that the invention taught herein is not be limited to these specific embodiments.

It is further understood that those skilled in the art can modify the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for collecting and retaining shell casings ejected from a firearm, comprising:

a. a hollow body for collecting and retaining said casings, said body having an aperture therein for receiving said casings;

b. a hatch moveably mounted on said body in the region adjacent the top edge of said aperture to selectively open and close said aperture; and

c. a flexible folding chute attached to and extending between said hatch and the remaining edges of said aperture whereby said chute assumes a folded non-operature configuration when said hatch is moved to close said aperture and said chute assumes an erect operative configuration forming, with said hatch, a conduit into said body from the outside thereof when said hatch is moved to open said aperture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a relatively rigid strut moveably mounted to said body and to said flexible chute to support and add rigidity to said chute when said chute assumes said erect operative configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a. means for biasing said hatch to open said aperture to maintain said chute in said operative erect configuration, and

b. latching means mounted on said body to selectively secure said hatch to close said aperture.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, having further;

a. a trap door located in the bottom of said body, to selectively release said shell casings from said body; and

b. means attached to said body and said trap door for locking said trap door in a closed position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising means mountable on said apparatus for supporting said apparatus at a preselected height and attitude.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, in which said means for supporting comprises:

a. a tripod;

b. a telescoping rod mountable on said tripod; and

0. means to demountably secure said rod to said body.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a. a tray slidable into said trap door adopted to contain said tripod.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a storage bin attached to said body for storing said tripod.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a bracket mounted on said body to removeably secure said telescoping rod to said body.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a bracket mounted on said body to removeably secure said telescoping rod to said body.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, having means for limiting the degree of opening of said hatch.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a. means for biasing said hatch to open said aperture to maintain said chute in said operative erect configuration; and

b. latching means mounted on said body to selectively secure said hatch to close said aperture.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, having means for limiting the degree of opening of said hatch.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, having further:

a. a trap door located in the. bottom of said body, to selectively release said shell casings from said body; and

b. means attached to said body and said trap door for locking said trap door in a closed position.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means mounted on said apparatus for supporting said apparatus at a preselected height and attitude.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which said means for supporting comprises:

a. a tripod;

b. a telescoping rod mountable on said tripod; and

c. means to demountably secure said rod to said body. 

1. An apparatus for collecting and retaining shell casings ejected from a firearm, comprising: a. a hollow body for collecting and retaining said casings, said body having an aperture therein for receiving said casings; b. a hatch moveably mounted on said body in the region adjacent the top edge of said aperture to selectively open and close said aperture; and c. a flexible folding chute attached to and extending between said hatch and the remaining edges of said aperture whereby said chute assumes a folded non-operature configuration when said hatch is moved to close said aperture and said chute assumes an erect operative configuration forming, with said hatch, a conduit into said body from the outside thereof when said hatch is moved to open said aperture.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a relatively rigid strut moveably mounted to said body and to said flexible chute to support and add rigidity to said chute when said chute assumes said erect operative configuration.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a. means for biasing said hatch to open said aperture to maintain said chute in said operative erect configuration, and b. latching means mounted on said body to selectively secure said hatch to close said aperture.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, having further; a. a trap door located in the bottom of said body, to selectively release said shell casings from said body; and b. means attached to said body and said trap door for locking said trap door in a closed position.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising means mountable on said apparatus for supporting said apparatus at a preselected height and attitude.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, in which said means for supporting comprises: a. a tripod; b. a telescoping rod mountable on said tripod; and c. means to demountably secure said rod to said body.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a. a tray slidable into said trap door adopted to contain said tripod.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a storage bin attached to said body for storing said tripod.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a bracket mounted on said body to removeably secure said telescoping rod to said body.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a bracket mounted on said body to removeably secure said telescoping rod to said body.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, having means for limiting the degree of opening of said hatch.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a. means for biasing said hatch to open said aperture to maintain said chute in said operative erect configuration; and b. latching means mounted on said body to selectively secure said hatch to close said aperture.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, having means for limiting the degree of opening of said hatch.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, having further: a. a trap door located in the bottom of said body, to selectively release said shell casings from said body; and b. means attached to said body and said trap door for locking said trap door in a closed position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means mounted on said apparatus for supporting said apparatus at a preselected height and attitude.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which said means for supporting comprises: a. a tripod; b. a telescoping rod mountable on said tripod; and c. means to demountably secure said rod to said body. 